Thane, Oct 17 (PTI) Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik on Saturday met the kin of slain Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary Pradeep Purnekar in Thane and asserted the ruling party was fully behind them to secure justice.
Purnekar, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party’s ward chief in Manpada, was killed on September 29 after assailants fired at him and then attacked him with a chopper.
Sarnaik said Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was standing firmly with the Purnekar family during this difficult time. Sarnaik also got the family to speak to Shinde over phone.
The minister said he has known the Purnekar family for several years, right from his time as a Thane corporator.
“The culprits must face strict legal action. To ensure those responsible receive exemplary punishment, Shiv Sena will provide experienced, senior legal counsel to represent the family,” Sarnaik said.
He also said authorities must look into the security demands of the Purnekar family and take necessary action.
Sarnaik apologised to the family for visiting them 18 days after the murder. He claimed the tense atmosphere in Thane immediately after the incident and the need to prevent any untoward incident prompted him to carefully time his visit.
Incidentally, Purnekar’s son Ram Purnekar, while speaking to reporters a few days ago, had complained that no leader from the Shiv Sena had met his family so far.
Ram Purnekar had met Devendra Fadnavis on Friday when the chief minister came to Thane to attend Navratri festivities.
“There will be no injustice to your father, I am behind you,” Fadnavis had told him.
Five persons have been arrested in the Purnekar murder case so far. PTI COR BNM
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